lämpötilapoikkeamana

Lämpötilapoikkeama is a Finnish term that translates to "temperature anomaly" or "temperature deviation." It refers to the difference between a measured temperature and a long-term average temperature for a specific location and time period. This average, often referred to as a baseline or reference period, is typically calculated over several decades, for example, 30 years, to represent a climate norm.

Temperature anomalies are a crucial tool in climate science. Instead of focusing on absolute temperatures, which can vary significantly by location, anomalies provide a standardized way to track and understand changes in climate over time. A positive temperature anomaly indicates that the observed temperature was warmer than the average for that period, while a negative anomaly signifies a cooler-than-average temperature.

Scientists use temperature anomaly data to detect and analyze global warming trends. By calculating anomalies across vast networks of weather stations and, more recently, satellite data, researchers can map out areas that are warming faster or slower than the global average. This helps in identifying regions particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. The calculation and presentation of temperature anomalies are standardized by organizations like the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to ensure consistency in climate reporting worldwide.